POLICE have re-issued an appeal for information almost a week on from the death of a man who they believe was hit by an HGV and carried for about three miles before he was found.

The body of Robert Finlayson, 22, from Hamilton, was found at around 4.35am on Monday on Carlisle Road, just north of Draffan Road, Blackwood in South Lanarkshire.

Police want to speak to any drivers who used the road at that time.

Inspector Calum Maider, of Motherwell Road Policing Unit, said: "We now know that Mr Finlayson left a friend's home in Lesmahagow around 3.10am on Monday morning intending to walk home.

"He was wearing a black tracksuit top and bottoms and carrying a black rucksack."

Mr Maider said Mr Finlayson was seen on CCTV at about 4.10am, standing on the north side of the over bridge of the M74 motorway at junction ten, and then heading north on the northbound carriageway of the B7078, where it appears he was attempting to hitchhike.

"Several northbound vehicles are seen moving on to the opposing lane to pass him safely, however, he has then been struck by a vehicle and carried underneath it for a distance of three miles," Mr Maider said.

"It is entirely possibly that the driver of the vehicle that struck him, believed to be an unmarked light Mercedes Actros tractor unit towing a tri-axle rigid step framed trailer, is not aware that they hit him.

"This was a tragic incident in which a young man died and we, and indeed Robert's family need to know how this happened."

He added: "Due to a road closure on the M74 on Monday last week, more than 40 vehicles, most of which would have been heavy goods vehicles delivering to large retail outlets, were diverted off the motorway and on to the B7078 between 4am and 4.30am.

"It is imperative that we identify these drivers, some of who I am pretty sure are on that road at the same time every week.

"At this time, we are not looking for a suspect or an accused for this. All drivers who use this route are potential witnesses to this incident."